Italian racing motorcycle maker Ducati to launch Diavel model in India by April 2011

Italian racing motorcycle manufacturer Ducati said that it would be launching its latest Diavel model in India by April 2011.

It would also be launching two more models of its superbike series 848 Evo and 1198SP in India by January next year, Ducati's cheif executive, Asia Pacific, Mirko Bordiga said after inaugurating the company's third dealership outlet in the country in Ahmedabad today.

"The Diavel model would be available in the European and American markets by January or February 2011. The same model would be launched in India by April next year, depending upon the time it takes to clear the necessary customs and other formalities," Bordiga said.

He said that the 1200 CC Diavel would be available in two variants, the base and Carbon S versions in India.

Bordiga said that Ducati plans to open dealership outlets along with service stations in 10 major cities across the country in the next one year.

Ducati India CEO Ashish Chordia said that they were targeting to sell over 300 units of the racing bikes in the next one year time.

"Since the launch of the Ducati in 2009, we have sold over 100 units through our two dealers in Gurgaon and Mumbai. We expect to sell over 300 units in next one year. Of this we are expecting sale of 40-60 unit from Gujarat itself," Chordia told mediapersons.

Chordia said that besides motorcycles, they would also be selling the entire range of apparels and biking accessories at the dealer outlets.

When asked why the company chose Gujarat for its third dealership, Chordia said they saw huge potential motorcycle market in the state.

"Gujarat, though being price conscious, is a very value sensitive market, where people are ready to pay for quality products," he said.

"We have been getting lot of demand from Gujarat, therefore we chose Ahmedabad to open our third showroom," Chordia added.

He further said that the company was also planning to begin the Indian chapter for Ducati Riding Experience (DRE), just like they have done for other Asian markets.

Ducati's dealership in Ahmedabad is owned by the Cama Motors Pvt Ltd.

The company founded in 1926, began manufacturing of motorcycles after the world war II. It produces motorcycles in six segments that include Superbike, Desmosedic RR, Monster, Multistrada, Sport Classic and Hypermotard.